Display device



June 1, 1965 Filed Sept. 24, 1962 E. J. FREEDMAN DISPLAY DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet i 1' WI: 12/4 2 m? 1 5 5 I i 11 i A Lb INVENTOR. dwaral fifkeedman 14 s I 2 59 June 1, 1965 E. J. FREEDMAN DISPLAY DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 24 1962 INVENTOR. Edward Jffvsedman.

M azz' s FIG. 9

June 1, 1965 J. FREEDMAN DISPLAY DEVICE 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 24, 1962 June 1, 1965 E. J. FREEDMAN 3,186,116

DISPLAY DEVICE Filed Sept. 24, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 F1614 FIG. 15 16216 IN VEN TOR. Edward J. fieedmall United States Patent 3,186,116 DISPLAY DEVICE Edward J. Freedman, Glencoe, Ill., assignor to Chicago Show Printing Company, Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Filed Sept. 24, 1962, Ser. No. 225,797 11 Claims. (Cl. 40-1065) This invention relates to a display device which is characterized by a unique operating manner. In particular, the display device of this invention is adapted to present a plurality of display surfaces and is adapted to move these display surfaces in a highly effective and desirable manner.

Various signs and placards are used in numerous instances to carry information designed to inform the public as to certain facts. A common application for signs and the like is in the advertising field where words and pictorial designs are employed to convey information concerning products, services, etc.

The most effective signs and displays are those which are capable of attracting the attention of the public and which are adapted to hold the interest of the public for a time sufficient to convey the desired impression. Furthermore, displays which leave a lasting impression on the public are considered highly desirable since they are more effective from a sales or similar standpoint. When an enduring impression is created in the minds of the public, the products or services referred to by the displays will be more readily suggested at a later time when a desire arises to purchase products or services of the class advertised.

Displays of a highly effective type include those with moving parts since the movement represents an eye-catching characteristic of the displays. It has also been established that displays which provide for changing designs, colors, or the like are highly desirable since such features add to the ability of the displays to attract the attention of the public.

It is an object of this invention to provide an improved display device which is highly effective for use in applications such as in the advertising field where words and pictorial designs are employed to convey information concerning products, services, etc. It is an additional object of this invention to provide a display device which is uniquely adapted to attract the attention of the public and to hold the interest of the public whereby a lasting impression of the information on the displays will be made on the public.

It is a more particular object of this invention to provide a display device which is characterized by a plurality of eye-catching characteristics including moving portions presenting a plurality of display surfaces and permitting periodic changes in designs, colors, and information content during a cycle of its operation.

These and other objects of this invention will appear hereinafter and for purposes of illustration but not of limitation, specific embodiments of this invention are shown in the accompanying drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevation of the display device of this invention as it appears in one stage of its operating cycle;

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the device shown in FIG- URE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a side elevation of the device shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about the line 4-4 of FIGURE 1; i 7

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about the line. 55 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary sectional View taken about the line 6-6 of FIGURE 1;

ice

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary view taken about the line 77 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken about the line 8-8 of FIGURE 3;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the same line as FIGURE 8 but illustrating the device in a different stage of the operating cycle;

FIGURE 10 is a detailed front elevation illustrating the device in a different stage of the operating cycle;

FIGURE 11 is a side elevation of the device when in the position shown in FIGURE 10;

FIGURE 12 is a detail front elevation illustrating the device in a still different stage of the operating cycle;

FIGURE 13 is a side elevation of the device when in the position shown in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is a plan view of one contemplated form which can be taken by a blank used in the formation of one section of the display;

FIGURE 15 is an elevational view of a display section formed in accordance with this invention;

FIGURE 16 is a side view of the display section shown in FIGURE 15; and

FIGURE 17 is a perspective view of tion shown in FIGURES l5 and 16.

The present invention generally includes a mechanism the display secfor movably supporting a display assembly having a plurality of display surfaces. The mechanism is provided with a first rotatable member having opposed faces for attaching the display assembly thereto. Drive means for rotating this member serve to move the display assembly and the various surfaces of this assembly are thereby periodically exposed to view on at least one side of the display mechanism. The display assembly is advantageously also supported by a second rotatable member located at a point beneath the first such member.

In order to provide for support of the drive means for the display assembly and in order to provide further surfaces for use in displaying information, the mechanism of this invention advantageously includes a standard member formed of an upstanding sheet. The drive means for the display assembly can be located behind the sheet on an arm which extends through the sheet to the front side thereof. One of the rotatable members is secured to this arm while a second arm also extending outwardly of the front of the standard supports the other rotatable member. The drive means when operatively connected to one or the other of these rotatable members provides the desired movement in the display assembly but is nevertheless substantially hidden from view by the up standing sheet forming the display standard.

The display assembly which is operated by the drive mechanism is preferably formed in a pair of sections and ends thereof are attached to the rotatable members. The sections of the display assembly are provided with joints whereby these sections can assume a variety of positions in an operating cycle of the mechanism.

In accordance with a preferred form of this invention, the display assembly sections are each composed of three tetrahedrons and joints are formed at adjoining apices of the tetrahedrons and at the juncture of the tetrahedrons with the rotatable members. Display assembly sections of this type present a variety of surface arrangements to one viewing the display mechanism. In particular, these display assembly sections provide four major viewing positions which enable the presentation of information in a highly effective manner.

In the accompanying drawings, there is shown a display device 10 which incorporates the concepts of this invention. This device generally includes a standard portion 12 which supports a display assembly portion 14. The standard portion 12 comprises an upright sheet and includes outwardly projecting stabilizing members 18 and 20 which extend from the front and rear faces of the assembly. The sheet 16 is advantageously dimensioned to at least equal the dimensions of the display assembly 14 whereby an effective background for this assembly is provided. Furthermore, the sheet 16 serves to conceal the drive mechanisms positioned at the rear side thereof.

The stabilizing member 29 extends upwardly behind the sheet 16 and is provided with an angular extension 21 which aids in the stabilizing function. Secured to the member 20 is a vertical bar 22 and a first arm 26 is connected to this vertical bar by means of fasteners 28. The arm 26 extend from the rear of the sheet 16 through an opening therein to the front side of the sheet.

A synchronous gear motor 39 is mounted on the arm 26 for driving a pulley 32. A belt 34 extends through the sheet 16 and operatively connects this motor with a disc shaped pulley 36 mounted on the bar 20 at the front of the sheet 16. The pulley 36 rotates on an axle 38 which rides in a vertical slot 4% formed in the arm 26.

The pulley 36 is provided with opposed faces 42 which serve as attaching surfaces for a pair of flaps 44 formed in each of the upper ends of the two sections of the display assembly 14.

At the lower end of the bar 22, a second arm 46 is pivotally connected at 48. A spring 50 secured to the bar 22 and to an upright 52 on the arm 4% normally holds the arm in a substantially horizontal position. The arm 46 extends through the sheet 16 to the front side thereof for attachment to the display assembly 14. The arm is provided with a spring fastener 54 which includes a portion 56 positioned to extend over a groove 58 formed in the end of the arm 46. An axle 60 for rotatable member 62 is positioned within the groove 58 and is held therein by means of the portion 56 of the spring fastener. The rotatable member 62 provides a means for attachment of flap 64 formed in the opposite ends of the sections of the display assembly.

In the illustrated display assembly, the sections thereof are designated by numeral 66 and it will be noted that one section is located on each side of the rotatable members 36 and 62. As explained, these sections are secured to the rotatable members by means of flaps 44 and 64 formed therein.

The display sections 66 each include three tetrahedrons 68 which are joined by flexible joints 70 at their apices. It will be noted that the joints '70 are formed along lines which are substantially perpendicular to each other. The sections 66 are also capable of bending at the joints 72 and 74 which the outermost apices of each section make with the flaps 4d and 64 respectively.

The tetrahedrons which form the display sections can be manufactured in various ways. Thus, the tetrahedrons may be formed as individual members and then fastened together to form a section or a plurality of members can be formed from a single sheet to eliminate undue joining operations. One manner of forming the display sections includes the use of a blank 76 shown in FIGURE 14. This blank comprises a plurality of angularly directed score lines which divide the blank into a plurality of triangles. In particular, it will be noted that the blank 76 is divided into three rectangles by means of the transverse double score lines 89 and that the diagonal lines 78 divide each of these rectangular portions in a similar fashion. Thus, each rectangular portion consists of three equal adjoining triangles 82. A pair of equal triangles 84 are formed outwardly of the adjoining triangles and it will be noted that these triangles 84 are equivalent to the two triangles formed when bisecting one of the triangles 82.

In the operation of the display device, the motor 30 preferably rotates at a constant speed and the various display surfaces will therefore be presented at regular intervals. t will be appreciated, however, that variations in the speed, timing, and direction of rotation of the display assemblies can be employed without departing from the spirit of this invention.

In a given sequence of operation, each of the surfaces of the display sections is presented to the front side of the mechanism and, of course, various ones of the surfaces are presented periodically when viewing the mechanism from other directions. Although the display of information can be carried out in various manners, the particular display sections representing the preferred form of this invention provide four major display positions considered the most desirable for advertising purposes. In a typical operating sequence, the position shown in FIGURE 10 will be reached and in this position, pairs of adjoining triangular faces form three sides of a triangular presentation. It will be appreciated that a combined message can be displayed at this time on all of these surfaces.

As the sequence continues, the triangular presentation shown in FIGURE 12 is developed. Again, the material on the faces then shown can be presented in some connected fashion.

The display sections will assume a position having the same appearance as that shown in FIGURE 10 in the next major position assumed by the device. However, at this time, the faces of the sections directly opposite those shown in FIGURE 10, will be displayed whereby a completely different presentation of information can be accomplished.

In a fourth major position, the configuration shown in FIGURE 1 is developed. It will be noted here that a substantially continuous surface is now presented and, therefore, further versatility in designing the configurations for the material on the displays are realized.

In addition to the ability of the mechanism to display different messages as the various positions in a cycle are developed, the mechanism permits the use of a variety of designs and color schemes. All of these characteristics add to the eye-catching nature of the device and the effectiveness thereof is materially increased by such characteristics. Furthermore, the standard located behind the display sections permits display of further information,

provides a background for the moving display sections, and also conceals the drive means to provide a more presentable device.

The device of this invention can be manufactured quite economically since the operating parts thereof are not unduly complicated and since the materials for forming the display are not expensive. Thus, cardboard can advantageously be used for the display sections as well as for the standard portion of the device.

It is believed that there has been described a unique arrangement which is characterized by particularly great capabilities for attracting the attention of the public and for creating a lasting and effective impression on individuals viewing the device. It will be understood that various modifications can be made in the display device described which provide the characteristics of this invention without departing from the spirit thereof particularly as defined in the following claims.

That which is claimed is:

1. A mechanism for movably supporting a display assembly having a plurality of display surfaces, said mechanism comprising a standard means having a rear side and a front side, a rotatable member having opposed faces for attachment of said display assembly thereto, first arm means extending through said standard means and supporting said rotatable member on said front side, drive means associated with said standard means for rotating said member and for thereby moving the assembly attached thereto, said movement of the assembly causing the display surfaces thereof to be periodically exposed to view on at least one side of said mechanism, and a second arm extending through said standard, said second arm rotatably supporting a lower portion of said display assembly.

2, A mechanism for movably supporting a display as-.

comprising a rotatable disc having opposed faces, each of said sections having one end connected to one face of said disc, said disc being rotatably mounted on a horizontal axis, drive means for rotating said disc and for thereby moving the assembly attached thereto, means for rotatably supporting said assembly at a position below said disc, the other end of each of said sections being connected to said supporting means, each of said sections having joints at intermediate points thereof, rotation of said disc and the resulting movement of said assembly causing the display surfaces of said assembly to be periodically exposed to view on at least one side of said mechanism, said joints permitting said periodic exposure on the viewing side of the mechanism, and including a standard means, said disc member being rotatably mounted on a first arm extending behind said standard means, said first arm also supporting said drive means, and a second arm extending through said standard for rotatably mounting the supporting means located below the disc, said second arm being pivotally mounted at one end behind said standard.

3. A mechanism for movably supporting a display assembly having a plurality of display surfaces, said mechanism comprising a rotatable member having opposed faces for attachment of said display assembly thereto, said rotatable member comprising a disc rotating on a horizontal axis, drive means for rotating said disc and for thereby moving the assembly attached thereto, means for rotatably supporting said assembly at a position below J said disc, the rotation of said disc and the resulting movement of said assembly causing said surfaces to be periodically exposed to view on at least one side of said mechanism, said display assembly comprising two sections,

each section having one end connected to one vertical face of said disc and the other end connected to said supporting means located below said' disc, said sections having joints therein which permit said periodical exposure on the viewing side of the mechanism, a standard means,

- said disc member being rotatably mounted on a first arm extending behind said standard means, said first arm also supporting said driving means, and a second arm extending through said standard for rotatably mounting the supporting means located below said disc, one of said arms being pivotally mounted at its end behind said standard.

4. A mechanism in accordance with claim 3 including a vertical bar extending downwardly at the rear side of said standard and connecting said first arm and said secondarm, said second arm comprising the arm pivotally mounted behind said standard, this pivotal connection be- 7 ing located on said vertical bar, and including spring means normally urging said second arm to an upward position.

5. A mechanism for moveably supporting a display assembly having a plurality of display surfaces, said mechanism comprising a standard means having a rear side and a front side, a rotatable member having opposed faces for attachment of said display assembly thereto, first arm means extending through said standard means and supporting said rotatable member on said front side, drive means mounted on said first arm means at the rear side of said standard means for rotating said memher and for thereby moving the assembly attached thereto, said movement of the assembly causing the display surfaces thereof to be periodically exposed to view on at least one side of said mechanism, and a second arm extending through said standard, said second arm rotatably supporting a lower portion of said display assembly.

6. A mechanism in accordance with claim 5 wherein said rotatable member comprises a disc rotating on a horizontal axis, and wherein said display assembly comprises two sections, each section having one end connected to one vertical face of said disc and the other end being rotatably secured to said second arm means, said sections having joints therein which permit said periodic exposure on the viewing side of said mechanism.

7. A mechanism in accordance with claim 6 wherein said display assembly sections are each composed of three tetrahedrons, said sections including a pair of intermedi ate joints located at adjoining apices of said tetrahedrons with the apices of the outermost tetrahedrons in each section forming joints at their connections to said first and second arms.

8. A mechanism for moveably supporting a display assembly which is formed of a pair of sections each comprising three tetrahedrons and each having joints formed at adjoining apices of said tetrahedrons, said mechanism comprising standard means having a rear side and a front side, a rotatable member having opposed faces for attachment of one end of each of said sections to one of said faces, first arm means extending through said standard means and supporting said rotatable member or said front side, drive means mounted on said first arm at the rear side of said standard means for rotating said member and for thereby moving the display sections attached thereto, the rotation of said display sections causing the surfaces of said tetrahedrons to be periodically exposed for viewing on the front side of said standard, a second armextending through said standard and located below said first arm, and a rotatable member on said second arm for attachment to the opposite ends of said sections.

9. A mechanism in accordance with claim 8 including flap members formed at the opposite ends of each of said sections, said flap members being bent outwardly for attachment to vertically disposed faces of the rotatable members on said first and second arms.

10. An apparatus in accordance with claim 8 wherein said rotatable member on the first arm comprises a pulley, a belt means extending around said pulley and to the rear side of said standard, and wherein said drive means is operatively connected to said pulley.

11. A mechanism in accordance with claim 10 including a vertical bar extending downwardly at the rear side of said standard and connecting saidfirst arm and said second arm, said second arm being pivotally connected to said bar, and including spring means normally urging said second arm to an upward position;

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,997,022 4/35 Stalker 46-37 2,688,820 9/54 Shemet 4037 X JEROME SCHNALL, Primary Examiner. E. V. BENHAM, Examiner. 

1. A MECHANISM FOR MOVABLY SUPPORTING A DISPLAY ASSEMBLY HAVING A PLURALITY OF DISPLAY SURFACES, AND MECHANISM COMPRISING A STANDARD MEANS HAVING A REAR SIDE AND A FRONT SIDE, A ROTATABLE MEMBER HAVING OPPOSED FACES FOR ATTACHMENT OF SAID DISPLAY ASSEMBLY THERETO, FIRST ARM MEANS EXTENDING THROUGH SAID STANDARD MEANS AND SUPPORTING SAID ROTATABLE MEMBER ON SAID FRONT SIDE, DRIVE MEANS ASSOCIATED WITH SAID STANDARD MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID MEMBER AND FOR THEREBY MOVING THE ASSEMBLY ATTACHED THERETO, SAID MOVEMENT OF THE ASSEMBLY CAUSING THE DISPLAY SURFACES THEREOF TO BE PERIODICALLY EXPOSED TO VEIW ON AT LEAST ONE SIDE OF SAID MECHANISM, AND A SECOND ARM EXTENDING THROUGH SAID STANDARD, SAID SECOND ARM ROTATABLY SUPPORTING A LOWER PORTION OF SAID DISPLAY ASSEMBLY. 